Dallas Cowboys 37, Green Bay Packers 27

The second best game of the year on a Thursday night on the NFL network.  Time Warner Cable in Raleigh does not offer it.  So how exactly does the NFL benefit from having one of the most anticipated games of the year not viewable in the majority of American homes?  They don’t.

Al Harris and TO meet once again and TO treats him like a redheaded step child.  (Anyone remember the infamous TO jab at Al Harris when Al played for the Eagles?  TO indicated that Al Harris had “mannerisms like he was Deion [Sanders].”  At the time Al was a lowly third string corner for the Eagles, so it was an obvious diss, however, with Al emerging as a top shelf corner, the comment has lost some of its luster.

New England Patriots 27, Baltimore Ravens 24

Teams seem to be figuring out ways to at least slow the Patriots down on offense and move the ball against their defense.  If a Kyle Boller led Ravens team puts up 24 points against this team, they’ve got some serious issues on defense.  Its almost is the Birds (Ravens and Eagles) defensive late game strategies have been to double everyone and hope Jabar Gaffney doesn’t beat you.  For the second week in a row, Gaffney has done just that, but you really can’t blame either teams for taking this approach.

The Ravens have officially taken the conspiracy theories to heart as evidenced by statements made in Mike Sando’s ESPN Hashmarks blog.  (A must read for conspiracy theorists who believe referees like dynasties too) 

Indianapolis Colts 28, Jacksonville Jaguars 25

The Jags hypes this game beforehand as an opportunity to take the divisions from the Colts.  A valiant effort fell short and they fell two games back.

NFL local coverage is the absolute worst thing ever conceived.  When your choices are Redskins/Bills or Panthers/49ers, all teams with losing records and virtually no shot at the playoffs, your NFL Sunday afternoon stinks for the most part.

Seattle Seahawks 28, Philadelphia Eagles 24

Every time the Eagles scored the defense must have thought the game was over as Seattle answered right back.  While there has been a lot of discussion with regards to the Eagles QB situation, the defense has also been an inconsistent pile of manure this season.  There seem to be no discernable defensive strategy in this game or in the Cowboys game outside of “let the opposing team score so we can get the ball back.”  Missed tackles where defenders didn’t even get a hand on the ballcarrier and DBs playing 10 yards off of super deep threat receivers like super speedster Bobby Engram were the norm.  Give me a break.

Feeley played absolutely horrible which showcases why he is not the answer for the Eagles long-term.  McNabb will return next week hopefully, but regardless its not looking good for the Birds playoff hopes.

Arizona Cardinals 27, Cleveland Browns 21

The Cards improved to 3-1 against the AFC North with a great all-around performance against this year’s Cinderella team. 

On a side note, while the Eagles secondary looks utterly incapable of covering dinner leftovers, former Eagles nickel corners have moved on and looked like all-pro starters.  (Roderick Hood had 2 picks one returned for a touchdown and Al Harris has developed into one of the best corners in the league in Green Bay)

Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Cincinnati Bengals 10

The Bengals came out and scored on the first drive making it look easy.  Then Hines Ward showed up and it was a wrap.  (11 catches 90 yards 2 TDs)

By the way, does anyone have the dirt on why Willie Parker is so opposed to mentioning the fact that he went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He always mentions his high school.  If I went to Carolina I wouldn’t mention it either, but for different reasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, New Orleans Saints 23

Luke McCown looked so good in this game it would surprise me if the Bucs don’t ride him until he runs dry.  He gave the Bucs offense a deep threat and found Joey Galloway deep for a 60 yarder. 

Reggie Bush?  13 carries 64 yards, 3 catches 13 yards, no TDs.  That Mario Williams pick looks better every day.

New York Giants 21, Chicago Bears 16

I really can’t explain how the Bears let this one get away and I’ve been trying to find a way to blame it on Rex Grossman, but he played decently and didn’t turn the ball over.  Eli Manning meanwhile, had 2 picks and a fumble.  What it really came down to was the Bears inability to score TDs in the redzone and the Giants ability to do exactly the opposite.

San Diego Chargers 24, Kansas City Chiefs 10

The Chargers seem to rounding into shape at just the right time.  Even though they got blown out earlier this season by the Patriots, I still think they’re the best equipped team to unseat the Patriots this year.  When playing well they’ve got the best pass rush in the league and with emergence of Antonio Cromartie, their secondary can cover as well as any at times.  The Patriots have shown they have serious issue with stopping the run and the Chargers running game is one of the best. 

The primary disadvantage which is a huge one is I don’t know a single football expert who would pick Norv Turner of Bill Belicheck in any type of battle of the minds.  Unfortunately coaching is a big part of football so don’t expect me to invest in the Chargers if this matchup ever materializes.

Minnesota Vikings 42, Detroit Lions 10

Adrian Peterson returns and Roy Williams is out for the year.  Both news headlines, both bad for the Lions and John Kitnastradamous.  The Lions are 6-6 and need a 4 game win streak for Kitna to keep his nice little nickname, which is possible.  I take that back, its impossible with the Chargers, Cowboys and Packers in three of the next four games.  Well it was fun while it lasted Kitnastradamous.  (Although all of his predictions didn’t come true either)

Oakland Raiders 34, Denver Broncos 20

Justin Fargas?  Really? Yes he’s on pace to rush for more yards this season than he did in the first 4 seasons of his career.  I would have probably bet on Trung Candidate having a breakout year before Justin Fargas and Candidate isn’t even in the league anymore.

Meanwhile the Broncos continue to play inconsistently in the Jay Cutler era.  They’re still a legit running back, a whole new run defense, and a couple more years of Jay Cutler experience from making any real noise.  By that time, they’ll need a new secondary also, so lets just say that’s a little to much to ask Santa for all in one year.

Awards

BrooklynWHAT Streetworthy Performance of the Week

Adrian Peterson was the unanimous winner.  Coming back in two weeks from a torn knee ligament and rushing for 100+ yards and 2 TDs while keeping your team’s playoff hopes alive tends to garner recognition.

Fred Taylor Hot Potato Award

Eli Manning tried his best to become the first multi-winner of this award, but I would be ignorant to overlook the overwhelmingly putrid performance of John Beck (3 picks, two fumbles), the Dolphins quarterback of the future.  As the Dolphins steamroll towards futility, their future at the QB position has never looked as bleak.  With the first pick of the draft, they can at least attempt to make amends for this error.